A sad day - indeed

Hassle-free passage for OBC quota Bill in LS

[ Biju Janata Dal's T Satpathy was the sole voice of dissent - So out of 273 member, only one had balls. Thats my govt. Thats my nation ]

Replying to the debate, which saw members cutting across party lines praising the Bill and demanding its application to the private sector, HRD minister Arjun Singh promised to shortly bring a separate legislation on unaided educational institutions. [ They are not done with screwing the nation. Some work needs to be done, still. ]

Participating in the debate, several members demanded quotas in private sector and judiciary [ Oh, great! Wonder has the idea of having reservations in Lok Sabha ever occured to them. That will be unanimously squashed. But lets corrupt everything else by then. ]. Government has already announced that the quota regime would be made operational from the academic year 2007. The Bill provides for a mandatory increase of seats in central educational institutions over a maximum period of three years beginning 2007.

Why is coming up with ideas soooooooooo difficult. And when that moment of enlightenment occurs, another one of disappointment closely follows. The word 'disappointment' has taken a central role in life now. First you need to have a source. You bind your hopes, dreams, aspirations.... your thoughts with that source. People need support in this life and nobody, I guess, is meant to sail through all alone. That would be an absurd way of spending a lifetime. So you try to hitch on to somebody. something. Can be a person but can as well be a job advetisment, a lottery ticket, an email address or a phone number, a dream you once had, a wishlist, a hidden thread of adventure lurking in your sub concious, the wait for a moment to explode out, to show the world and a million other similar things. You stick to them. Thinking, waiting, hoping for things to turn true. For something 'good' to happen. Nobody wants bad things to happen to anyone, more so to oneself. So you just persist with your box-of-hopes.
And then this source snaps... trips... cuts itself loose... disappears.
Disappoinment follows.

And then you start looking for another similar box. Another piece of advertisment, another someone, another web link, another email address. Knowing somewhere deep within that the same story is bound to repeat. Someone watching the game likes this particular part of it. And it goes on in cycles. On and on and on... and off!

Job-hopping: does it harm your CV?

Job-hopping: does it harm your CV?

PROTECT YOURSELF

Every high-growth industry today is service-oriented . Sharpen your customer-facing skills. It’s the hardest part of any job, but also the most rewarding.

Be loyal to your current employer. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay forever or neglect your own needs. But while with this organisation, commit yourself to its growth and success.

Match your productivity to your growth. For a 30% growth in salary, increase your contribution by 30%.

Find ways to fill the gaps in your knowledge and capabilities. Learn from those around you, read industry literature and enrol for training programmes.

Ask yourself, ‘What did I do to earn my salary today ?’ With this attitude, your salary can only increase.

What’s Wrong With Profit?

A nice read.

Lynching of criminals on rise in Bihar

Lynching of criminals on rise in Bihar

In Bihar people seem to be running out on patience and have started delivering 'instant justice' by lynching suspected criminals.

At least 25 people have been lynched in the past three weeks in the state, which even otherwise has a high crime rate.

Now this is something that was if not totally expected, but still somewhere round the corner for the state that is going faster and faster into the dungeons of crime and anarchy. After the lawlessness imposed on this unfortunate state by its govt. servants, Bihar has reached this pathetic state where no faith remains in the governing system. This was bound to happen and may well turn out to be the only solution to their problems.

Islamic nations are known for their 'bizzare' punishments that often cross the line of humanity. But for all this barborous acts, i guess, one thing that must be ensured is more order and fear of law. The present situation of Bihar demands such actions to thwart the reigning mafia groups and restablish it to state of sanity.

some links to essays

These are just essays, but they're very well written essays, and if zipped together, you actually get an e-anthology.

If you know of more, do add to this thread. They're written by very intelligent people.

Hint:

if you google 'kellogg techventure anthology', you will find others like these, just as brilliantly written by top MBAs.

IT Organization of the Future
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ITorg_of_the_future.pdf


Infosys On Balanced Scorecard
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/Aligning%20IT%20Implementation%20to%20Business%20strategy.pdf


Integrating Customers Into Your Value Chain
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/integrating%20customers%20into%20ValueChain.pdf


Fundamentals Of Telecommunications
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/fund_telecom.pdf


Pursuing Excellence In Supply Chain Management
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/pursuing%20excellence%20in%20supply%20chain%20management.pdf


Reengineering Using BPM Technologies
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/Reeng_using_BPMtech.pdf


Wireless SMS
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/SMS.PDF


Wireless Financial Services
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~inno/20039.pdf


Tailoring Supply Chain To Respond To Shifting Demand
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/Tailoring%20Supply%20Chains%20to%20respond%20to%20shifting%20demand.pdf


Three Lenses For Viewing IT Costs
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/3%20lenses%20for%20it%20costs.pdf


Access Mediation
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ACC_MED.PDF


ADSL
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ADSL.PDF


Application Services Framework
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/APP_SERV.PDF


Asynchronous Transfer Mode Fundamentals
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ATM_FUND.PDF


Passive Optical Networks
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ATM_PON.PDF


Telecoms Networks Deployment
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/deploy_telecom.pdf


Digital Loop Carrier
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/DLC.PDF


DSL-ATM Convergence
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/DSL_ATM.PDF


DTM Fundamentals
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/DTM_FUND.PDF


IBM On Electronic Commerce
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/e_commerce.pdf


Embedded TMN Solutions
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/embed_tmn.pdf


Fibre-to-Home
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/fiber_home.pdf


Fibre-Optic Technology
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/fiber_optic.pdf


GSM
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/GSM.PDF


IP Internetworking Transport

http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/ip_int.pdf


Optical Access
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/opt_acc.pdf


Optical Network
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/OPT_NET.PDF


Optical Transmission
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/opt_trans.pdf


Specification-and-Description Language
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/sdl.pdf


Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/DWDM.PDF


Copper Loop Management In Local Loop Migration
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~infiniti/COPPER.PDF


Concept Maps
http://dilbert.iiml.ac.in/~vivekg/itm/What%20is%20a%20Concept%20Map.pdf



Inset: Visual Basic Tutorial
http://www.vbtutor.net/vbtutor.html

Amendment to take life out of RTI Act: CIC

Amendment to take life out of RTI Act: CIC

What is wrong with my country (i know thats a mere rhetoric as the simple answer is - our politicians). But still...
as this report says, and also on what I have been reading about in newspapers about this wonderful act, if the mentioned step is taken, we are just ruining the single step we took in years to eradicate corruption from the system

OP Kejriwal, member, Central Information Commissioner on Thursday night said the Union Cabinet's decision to exclude officials' notings on government files from the purview of the Right to Information Act will take "life out of the law".

"Information minus the file notings amount to taking the life out of the RTI Act," Kejriwal said in an interview to a private news channel.

"There were hundreds, literally hundreds, who got their ration cards, electricity connections only by filing an application where they asked what was the daily progress of the applications and who were the officers dealing with their applications.

"Now if the file notings are closed, the entire process is stalled," he said.

Kejriwal said, "Once you try to save the names of officials, you try to hide the way the file has moved. What remains in the Act?"

The basic objective of the Act, he pointed out, is to prevent and put a stop to corruption.

"We earnestly hope that the government sees to it that the Act remains its basic strength," he said.

India 12th richest nation

India 12th richest nation in 2005: World Bank

USA - $12.46 trillion
Japan - $4.51 trillion
Germany - $2.78 trillion

Britain
France
Italy
Spain
Canada
Brazil
South Korea

India - $785.47 billion or Rs 35,34,615 crore

Mexico, Russia and Australia.

Kerala’s own quota: mix of merit and social justice

Kerala’s own quota: mix of merit and social justice
Still better.

DA-IICT

From google earth.

Over 300 Indian students to get EU scholarships : HindustanTimes.com

Over 300 Indian students to get EU scholarships : HindustanTimes.com

US gonna face strong challenges now.

Great job or a good career?- The Economic Times

Great job or a good career?- The Economic Times
decent read.

For how long...

RSS drifts from Organiser

And the game continues. When will these people stand up to what they say? I have heard of such politicians once served this country. But not anymore. Now a word is uttered only to deny it later... to enjoy this dual exposure... say-create ruckus - deny chain. Time to show some integrity chaps. You give India a bad name...

More on RFID Basics

FAQ on RFID and RFID privacy

RFID Privacy and Security

Both these links are from RSA Security. A very respected group in this field.

Why Dilbert loves the Internet

He is one of my favorite cartoon characters. Though, I've never been in a full time work environment but still, somehow I can associate well with Dilbert. Adams humor, in a way is not just limited to life in a cubicle but extends beyond that. In every walk of life, I find people equally inept, stubborn and pathetically foolish. Sometimes, it makes me feel I'm turning into a misanthrope.

For now, read this interview with adams.

Not for others. Plz ignore

Software Solutions - EPC and RFID

Get RFID Smart
This Management Primer web course provides an overview of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to executives in the retail and manufacturing industries.

Video of Sun's Dallas RFID Test Center
Sun's RFID Test Center can be the first step in your journey towards a successful RFID deployment. See how Sun's state-of-the-art Dallas RFID Test Center can help your company meet its specific RFID needs for compliance and beyond.

Stay strong, stay inspired - How to protest, effectively

Stay strong, stay inspired

The article really contains essential tips on how to protest. Didn't know Vhagat could do anything more than writing stuff like 5.someone.

Here is an excerpt:

1. Keep a visual -- This is vital in today's multimedia world. Newspapers need to be colourful to compete with television, and a television is not a television without a visual. Gandhi kept a visual -- salt march (everyone remembers the scooping of salt), burning British made clothes, operating the charkha and more. Placards are boring. Do something else -- a huge bonfire, human chains -- be creative, make it easier for NDTV. They will come, I promise.

2. Emotions more than Reason -- Whenever activists talk to the media, always keep emotions in the forefront. Brooding anger, tears, banging fists is far more interesting than statistics on caste based demographics. Tell people what you think about the issue -- you are on the editorial page. Tell people what you feel about the issue -- you are on the front page.

3. Intentions more than Action -- This is a trick most used by our politicians even today. In reality, actions alone matter. However, our politicians keep saying 'our intention is to lift the backward castes', and they almost sound reasonable. Of course, the actions only divide the country and kill merit -- but they hide in the garb of purported good intentions. Protestors can do the same. They may be blocking traffic -- but harp on the intentions: 'But this is for Saraswati mata -- knowledge should decide'. (Think about it -- the politicians will be scared to take on Saraswati mata or if you mix any religious sentiment in your favour). Alongside, attack the other party's intentions -- 'they are only doing reservations for selfish political gain' (which is probably true).

4. Don't hurt yourself -- Burning yourself or even hunger strikes are very dangerous tools. There is no guarantee they will be effective. If they don't work, you will be seen as weak. Gandhi used a hunger strike rarely, and only after he had decades of experience.

5. Find a simple, interesting slogan -- Gandhi always had a simple slogan. It gives two benefits -- one it makes it easier to pass through word of mouth with minimal distortion. Secondly, it fits into the limited headline space in newspapers. In media terms, this is called 'the hook'. The reservation movement has no slogan yet. Find one. My suggestions: "No suck-up politics" OR "India on Merit only"

Delhi docs to strike work

IMA asks Delhi docs to strike work, calls for bandh on May 15
When it comes to doctors, the situation get a little tricky. On one hand, you are protesting against the callous govt. or the police or both and on the other, you have people who are also, in some way or the other, oppressed by the same bodies of law. Now who are you victimising in this whole process? Why should the govenment not hear their cries before they take such a stand?
Satyagrah - is the govt. waiting for someone to get killed? Someone to immolate himself...

The RFID Hacking Underground
They can steal your smartcard, lift your passport, jack your car, even clone the chip in your arm. And you won't feel a thing. 5 tales from the RFID-hacking underground.

----------------------------------
feels weird while posting this link. This is related to my field of research during my RI. And I had my exams of the SP course (security protocols) today which I messed up very badly. Don't know what I'll do during the RI.

Students cry out: No reservation please

Students cry out: No reservation please
Finally, people have come out together in huge numbers and most importantly, accross India. We were expecting the same thing on 17th April. It didn't materialze, though.
On a very selfish note, I would say that we couldn't have gone out now as our exams start tomorrow onwards. (and I'm bloggin when I should have been reading. Anyways...)

The pledge to never vote for Congress was the best part of it as it directly attacks the very motive of implementing reservations. It would be interesting to see congress's reaction as this must be becoming increasingly clear to them that the move will surely backfire soon.

Rohit Singh's statement was well-balanced and clear.
But who the hell is this Arjun Dangle ? A question for Mr. Dangle -

"Do you think that all the general class students study in ACs and only the so
called backward class people live in villages and in places that lack proper
living facilities"?

Take a break man and get your view right.
Reservations as a measure for social justice is like asking for ice-cream when you are thristy. Mr. Dangle and all others -

No amount of ice-cream will quench your thirst. So it is better you concentrate
on finding water. And let those who pay for the ice-cream, the students with
calibre to pass these exams, enjoy it too.

(and nobody is saying that calibre is defined by your caste. When God didn't distinguish in giving brains to people who the hell are you to try doing so? )

No job quotas on private firms

Government not to impose job quotas on private firms
Is it due to the todays protest march or due to industries reaction when PM mentioned that for the first time in front of CII.
Anyways... it some good news

Medical students hold rally against quota policy

Good show guys. Keep it up.
------------------------
Today, I received a call from some one who wants to guide us about how to go about protesting against the bill. Now we have already taken out a protest march from our place to the collector's office. That itself didn't find enough people with that will to oppose the bill.

Deserve then Desire

People simply want someone else to do this for them, while they put that EXTRA time in squeezing through the 50% of whats left in open. Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh...

Quota stir to hit the streets today

Hope things turn out in a big way. There has been a huge difference in the way people came out against it in 90s and now. Cyber space provided a vent to their feelings this time while back then in 90s, coming on the road was the only way to remonstrate.
But, sadly, politics and the politicians don't operate through the broadband cables. They still are like a bunch of illetrate people who need to be told things more explicitely.
May be, after translating in their language, that is of protests, dharna, effigy-burning, clashes with police and similar things, the point is conveyed to them.
Waiting for the outcome of this protest.

Rags to riches: From Rs 30K to Rs 10 crore
courtsey Rediff.

Really, really impressive. a must read.

Cricket

I like Cricket. I would like to consider a good player; good enough for the team at least.
Still have some fond memories of playing cricket with my classmates.
It's not the routine job that you do that becomes a memory. Incidents that took place in place of some other routine job actually make up that special byte of storage in your head. and it is really special. Cricket brings forwards many similar incidents. We could have attended some more classes (or tutions) in place of playing cricket but who would have remembered that.

The game against 11-B (when we were in 8th), where we played in ankle-deep water. Only one boundary was scored in that match as the ground was so damp. A damp pitched was the reason why I got bowled on the very first ball. (kasam se). The two terific catches that I took. (Some of the places where I just can't be modest. I am/was good at it.) Even the senior batman came upto me before heading for pavillion.
The tournament that we took part in. I wasn't allowed to play two matches a day as my grandfather never could see me falling sick. So I just played the first and the final matches of the tournament. Scored really well in the final. Somewhere around 80+. My first (and only) Man of the Match award and also my first earning.

And there are many others... just can't sit and write about all of them.

This cricket came up as the news about World Cup 2011 has been allotted to Asia. (read here)
I really think this is unfair but in todays age, where the game is heavily controlled by money-minded capitalists and not so-called lovers-of-the-game, such things are bound to happen. Sorry for Australia and NZ.

MS and Wallop

Microsoft licenses new way to make friends
watch out Orkut (and Google) ... MS is waking up.
but when will these guys finally put up Vista? Very dismal performance MS... hope the code being written is worth all this wait.

VP Singh backs reservation in IITs, IIMs

[ Tuesday, April 25, 2006 08:35:00 pmPTI ]

"Those forces which opposed the Mandal report are now propagating it. I am happy that they are supporting it", he said while addressing a well attended gathering of All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD) convention organised to demand reservation in private sector.

Reservation was not a new concept in the country and had been in existence for thousands of years, Singh, who had implemented the Mandal Commission report facing a stiff opposition particularly in the Hindi belt, when he was the Prime Minister, said.

"I kicked the football. Though I broke my leg, I scored the goal," he said recalling the resistance his government had faced over the Mandal commission report.

Scott resigns...

Saw this today:
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/04/24/ap2693485.html

Scott McNealy was one of my favourite tech giants. did well for Sun, for a long time. Have read some Blog entries from Jonathan Schwartz. former COO and chairman and now the CEO too. Don't have the required knowledge to compare the too but still, Scott had something that made him stand in the league of Steve Jobs, Bill gates and Larry Ellison. Dont know about Jonathan.

And what is James Gosling doing these days. Guess he is mostly busy with his blog now a days. He has already done enough for a lifetime. can continue to rest therefore.

Read this article from today's timesofindia (25th Apr 2006). My additions within << >>

‘Caste system has become subtle and sophisticated’
Former principal advisor and chief economist with the RBI, and author of Untouchables, Narendra Jadhav, now senior advisor to the governor, Da Afghanistan Bank, discusses reservations with Jyoti Punwani:

Will reservations for OBCs lower IIT/IIM standards?
No. Contrary to popular castebased pride, intelligence is not distributed according to castes. If the system were fair, for every caste, job opportunities would have been broadly in proportion to its share in the population. That could not happen because of the hierarchical nature of the caste system. Some castes got a disproportionately large share of opportunities even when many individuals therein did not have the necessary talents. On the other hand, a vast majority of SC/ST/OBCs were confined to degrading tasks, irrespective of their talents. In fact, the demand for continuation of reservations could also be seen as resistance by the so-called high-borns to give up the ‘reservations’ they have enjoyed unimpeded for centuries. For example, can a Dalit with even a PhD in theology and Sanskrit aspire to become a Shankaracharya? Aren’t these jobs reserved for a particular caste? I haven’t ever heard the proponents of so-called meritocracy question these privileges.

<<>>

Do caste-based reservations go against globalisation?
No. Our country was an economic superpower 2,000 years ago. According to American scholar Maddison, in the year zero when the Gregorian calendar began, India’s share in global production was 30 per cent. By 1991, it had declined to a little over one per cent. Can we blame the British alone for this? No country can sustain its growth momentum over centuries if only a small strata of society has access to education. Now, the Indian economy is re-emerging. Our dream to become an economic powerhouse can be realised only if all Indians get an equal opportunity to realise their own potential. Given the highly asymmetric pattern of opportunities we have inherited, this would necessarily involve giving SC/ST/OBCs a helping hand so that they can compete with others. Reservations are needed because of the innate inability of Indian society to be just and fair by itself to all its constituents.

<< ...so that they can compete with others ... - Mr. Jadhav, Where have you talked about competition. If you are favouring reservation, you are indirectly (and may be purposefully) avoiding any possibility of competition. A person from reserved class should get an easier entrance to professional institute. Then he should get easier job opportunity in govt. and if the govt. has its way, in private sector too. Then he should be preferred for promotions too. So what exactly is this reservation scheme doing to competition. Strangulating should be the word, I guess. >>

Is there need for corrective action in our reservation policy? Yes. The caste system today may not be as crude and blunt as it used to be. In fact, it has now become subtle and sophisticated. It now resides in the mindset of the people. In this subtle form it is even more pernicious. There is therefore an imperative need for mass education. There also is need for more effective implementation of the existing reservation policies. Investment in human capital has a very high social rate of return.

<<>>

http://o3.indiatimes.com/Letter_from_an_OBC

A plea from a guy from OBC who stands up against the current structure of quotas. Comments can be ignored as the mob can never be controlled.

"a lesser evil" : BULLSh!t

Read This - Vatican 'may relax condom rules'
Haven't read something more shitty than this. Here is a group of people, who think its there duty to decide for some billion people on this earth.
Why do people associate India with all the evil-practices, superstitions and human-rights defaulter. How is the west different from us? Isn't the Vatican imposing its ridiculous judgments of all those who call themselves Christians. Wasn't it the Vatican that opposed 'modern thinking' as propagated by Galileo, Copernicus, Newton and many others.
So why do people say that in India women are still tortured, people discriminate on the basis of castes and creed and various other types of shit? Was the western world never plagued by such ailments?
In Europe, basically in Britain, women were burnt on grounds of being witches. There head were chopped off for minor 'symptoms' of witchcraft and that was the punishment which caused minimum pain. There were many others that are difficult to put into words as the writers soul will start crying before completing any such description. All this was done, as orders from the God, relayed through a priest. AAAAAAhhhh ...
Are there absolutely no differences in USA, between natives and whites, Afro-Americans, Spanish or Mexicans?

And when the world is at the verge of explosion under the weight of human beings, Vatican stands up and says "Using condoms is against Christianity". The only purpose of sex is to bear children as they are God's messengers. And other truck load of crap...

Good work dear agents of God. Kindly try thinking in a more rationalized way.

wrote a comment to an article on The Hindu. Thought it should appear here too. it follows:

..................................................................................

I sincerely hope that the voices being raised by the financial institutions and the likes of Rahul Bajaj and all do make an impact in the seemingly deaf ears (and corrupted brains) of our policy makers.
If the two reservations rules, for public educational institutes and private companies, are actually implemented, India might witness the worst brain drain, economic regression and ultimately, public resentment of its history after independence.
Today we happen to stand at a point where there is a chance for us to become a major player at the world level. Any reservation act will force the outer world to think twice before recruiting people from India or handling over job/assignments to Indian companies.
All the hardwork of people who have dedicated their lives in creating a name of the so-called 'Brand India' is at stake.
Unfortunately, the situation seems quite gloomy with none of the political parties coming out against these ridiculous rules. VOTE-BANK Politics... the cause of doom for India.
May God help us all.

RFID ... lets see.

Now this is from wired. Shows the immense potential that lies in this field. Coincidently, I've just started exploring this field. Appealed to me, therefore.

RFID 'Til the Cows Come Home

The See Also section contains the following links too:

RFID: Sign of the (End) Times?

Fatal Flaw Weakens RFID Passports

Spychips Sees an RFID Conspiracy

now a story that is worth storing in this record. Few of my closest friends appear in this news that found place in Business Standard. The link is:
http://www.businessstandard.com/search/storypage_new.php?leftnm=lmnu9&leftindx=9&lselect=&autono=223225

But why shouldn't I simply copy it from the site itself and store it here forever... so here it is-


Microsoft selects Gujarat students for contest
Our Regional Bureau / Mumbai/ Ahmedabad April 21, 2006

During the Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2006 under the theme 'IT towards Health Care', three teams from Gujarat based institutes were picked up for the national contest to be held in Bangalore on April 24.

Of them, two teams are from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DAIICT), Gandhinagar and one is from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat. All the selected students belong to TY B.tech and are between 19 to 21 years of age.

A team comprising of Parag Kulkarni, Tanushree Jindal and Vasudhara Kantroo, lead by Himanshu Pokhariya, all from DAIICT, designed 'The Navigator', a solution to support people with Cerebral Palsy.

"This will help patients navigate a computer and browse the web easily without having to resort to the use of specially designed hardware or special software or websites," said Pokhariya.

"Out of every 1,000 children, about two to four are born with Cerebral Palsy. We have designed such a remote control, with a combination of software and hardware, which works on the basis of sound produced by the patient," said Pokhariya adding that the patient would also be able to operate home appliances with the remote control.

"The cost of the device is less than Rs 3,000 apart from the cost of a standard PC," he added.

Similarly, the second team of Deepak Jagdish, Mohit Gupta, Shreyas Nangia and Rahul Sawhney from DAIICT are working on a solution called Sonique. "This solution aims to enable visually impaired people to achieve high quality access of day-to-day navigation scenarios and techniques," said Jagdish.

"Sonique will give them the ability to move around easily and in the process revolutionise their sense of mobility. The impact of the solution would be such that blind people can break the barriers of their restricted environment and attain total freedom of navigation," he added.

According to Mohit Gupta, they have made a prototype of Sonique which consists ultrasonic sensors connected to a pocket PC or PDA. "These sensors send and receive ultrasonic waves of the object and transfer it into micro controllers for processing," said Gupta. The output of the device will be the sounds processed in micro controllers through which a blind man would be able to virtually visualise the object at the maximum distance of five metre, he added.

The third team from SVNIT, opted out from the competition as the dates clashed with their final exams. "Our idea was to create a racing game where players across the globe could participate physically, intellectually or morally from one city to another," said Urvang Joshi, the team leader.

Sheela Gulati, director of Developer and Platform Evangelism, Microsoft India, said, "Imagine Cup is an annual contest held by Microsoft to help students from across the world to showcase their software development skills. The winners from the National Finals, will compete at the world championships in Agra, in August 2006 for cash prizes of $25,000."

She further said this is for first time that the international competition will take place in Agra where students of more than 181 countries will participate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the moment, these guys are figting it out in Banglore. Its there D day, they had been preparing for which like crazy. No food, no sleep, no leisure (at least for some of them). Past 15-20 days were spent by them endlessly working on their projects. This extremely high degree of devotion was in itself very motivation to witness. I don't really think that people in IT industry ever work that hard once in the industry. These guys almost killed themselves.
Few slept for like 8-10 hours a week (yes, a week). A guy was spitting blood and still considered it normal. Another one got an asthmatic attack, of the worst possible type. This complete journey has been full of such incidents and memoirs...

And even after they come back, there will be no time to rest as we have our finals coming up from 4th of May.

Wish you guys all the very best and a good night sleep.

Introduction ... what else?

Well, I don't actually know what is a blog for and why should I be doing this. So don't expect something special here.
I'm gonna use this space just to store different links... links to news that I feel should be read by others... news that has the potential to change something somewhere in some significant way.
Nothing else... nothing more...